A Different Kind of Gone by Catherine Ryan Hyde - Book Review

Publication Date: 05th Dec 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Social Drama 

 3 Stars (outliner opinion) 

One Liner: Deals with important themes but gets too preachy

Norma Gallagher is the only woman in the Search and Rescue Team in Sloot, a small town in Utah and Arizona. She prefers to keep to herself and loves her two dogs and the horse the best. 

When Norma finds the nineteen-year-old Jill Moss after she is reported missing, she is forced to do something she would never otherwise do. When Jill is terrified about her boyfriend Jake, Norma helps her go back to her parents in California. 

Five years later, the disappearance of Jill Moss hasn’t died yet and becomes a hot topic when Jake is arrested for another crime and Jill’s murder. The public and media are busy with what they do. Norma has to yet again make a decision that could affect many lives, including her own. 

The story comes in Norma’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts:

I like how the author deals with different issues in her books and was excited to read this one. The blurb reveals quite a lot (around 40%), though it does manage to keep certain things a secret. 

The pacing is decent, but dips in the middle. The book has some bits of ‘mystery’ but is not a mystery read. It’s a social drama about domestic abuse, repeating toxic cycles, guilt, shame, public judgment, issues in the legal system, trial by media, general bias, et al. 

Norma, Jill, and Wanda are the main characters, while Betty has a great supporting role (she is my favorite). Jill and Wanda are young and act their age. Their portrayal is quite realistic and believable. 

The characters change as the story progresses, though Norma takes the longest time. Despite her annoying me, I am glad she lowers the walls and finds people to call her own. 

Norma is an interesting character. As a woman in her late 50s (and early 60s after the time jump), she is snarky, blunt, and a touch-me-not. Her backstory provides the reason for her attitude and approach to life. However, she is not heartless. In fact, it’s the opposite. Still, I couldn’t always stand her opinions. I’m a minority here, but I don’t particularly like the comparison between bank robbery and domestic abuse. A robber and an abuser are different people. The reasons and goals are different. 

The book deals with important themes, but with Norma coming on too strong about her opinions, the vital messages lose their impact. 

 

There’s a list of book club discussion questions at the end, which I appreciate. As you can see, the book offers a lot to talk about. 

To summarize, A Different Kind of Gone has much to offer about moral issues, justice, and relationships. Like it or not, the content will make you think, and I cannot rate it longer than 3 stars. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #ADifferentKindofGone 

The November Witches by Jennifer Claessen - Book Review

Series: A Month of Magic #2 

Publication Date: 05th Oct 2023

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: An entertaining adventure 

None of the witches are happy about the gloomy magic-free November, except Clemmie (Clem) and her cousin Mirabelle. October was a mess. Everyone is still struggling with what had happened. However, their troubles are far from over when knights from the past come knocking on the door. 

It has been the Merlyns vs. Morgans for decades. However, the knights have only one target – to burn the witches. The two covens have to come together to find a way out and stay alive. Soon, Clem and her cousins realize it’s up to the young hags to save the day. Can they do it? 

The story comes in Clemmie’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This is the sequel to The October Witches, released last year (2022). It cannot be read as a standalone, as it starts where the previous book ends. 

I confess to not remembering much (almost zero retention), though I could recollect the basic details once I started this book. It didn’t take long to get into the grove and go with the flow. 

This book has a faster pace, which I appreciate. The story keeps moving, which keeps things interesting and entertaining. However, it can also be a disadvantage if the reader doesn’t remember what happened in the previous book, as there are minimum references. 

The aunts are grumpy, and Clem is feeling guilty. However, there’s no time to dwell on this. In fact, even the Morgans have to swallow their pride and be humble. Of course, it’s not easy on the old hags on either side. A clash between the two could erupt at any time, and the young hags have a helluva time trying to soothe things. 

There’s also a glorious magical forest (I love it) where the action occurs in the second half. The setting is beautiful and comes alive on the pages without getting overly descriptive. 

The book truly belongs to the kids- Clem, Mirabella, Kerra, and Senara. There’s another kid, ‘Potboy’, a young wannabe squire longing to prove himself by capturing the witches. We see how they have to be adults (since the adults act childish most of the time, except for one person) while knowing their limitations as children. 

“The deep-down true things are hard to say, but they mean the most.” 

Topics like bullying, family bonding (or the lack of it in one case), parental pressure/ approval, listening to the other person, finding one’s voice, desire to prove one’s worth, etc., are woven into the plot. Since we get the story from Clem’s POV, it has a realistic touch to it with a dash of humor and some lovely observations. Clem finding her voice and pushing beyond the fear of speaking is a recurring theme in the book. I love how it is contrasted (yet aligned) with Kerra’s issues. 

“I thought fixing was the opposite of breaking, but whenever I try, they’re kind of mixed up together. Maybe fixing can’t come without a bit of breaking.” 

Mirabelle’s puns are well… hit or a miss, something even she knows. That’s what makes them funnier than actual, I suppose. Serena is a stable and balanced young hag exploring her strengths and helping her cousins. 

Clem’s mom, Patty, has some great advice. She is the only sane old hag in both the covens. Imagine that! 

The climax isn’t as powerful as in book one, but does the job. The book ends with a cliffhanger and sets the stage for book #3 (this is to be a trilogy). I am already excited about The December Witch (that can be the only possible title). 

To summarize, The November Witches is a great continuation of book one and takes the story to the next level. It is entertaining, steady-paced, and delightful. 

Thank you, NetGalley and UCLan Publishing, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheNovemberWitches

***

The quotes are from an uncorrected proof copy and are subject to change. 

Til Death Do Us Bard by Rose Black - Book Review

Publication Date: 21st Nov 2023

Genre: Queer Medieval Fantasy 

3 Stars 

One Liner: A mixed bag 

Logan Theakar, the Bear, is now a retired monster hunter living with Pie (Magie), his beautiful bard husband, in the Stowatt village. The year had been great, making him enjoy domesticity for the first time in 42 years. Never mind that he still itched to use his axe and hunt some monsters.  

One night, Pie disappears, and Logan soon finds he has been kidnapped and blackmailed into helping the evil king retrieve a precious object that could lead to devastation. With help from an old Countess, a necromancer, and some unlikely support, Logan sets out to find Pie and save the day. But what does it mean for him and his marriage with his darling husband? 

The story comes in Logan’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

With a title, cover, and premise (mentioning unicorns, necromancers, and magic), how can I resist the book? The results, as you can see, are mixed. 

I like that we have a 40+ lead M/M couple, even though they act as if they are in their early 20s. It’s an opposite attract plus grumpy vs. sunshine trope. Logan is the grumpy guy (no points for guessing). 

Well, Pie-Magpie (Bond, James Bond, ugh) is beautiful and wonderful, according to Logan. He is a decent character who could have been better if given a chance. 

Logan is like the grumpiest of the grumps. I know I should sympathize considering his backstory and fears, et al, but for the majority of the book, he is annoying. His ‘I’m the only one who is capable and can save you all while you go around partying’ attitude and actions grated on my nerves. Glad that he redeems himself in the last section to a good extent. 

Ophelia, Gary, and a couple of others do what’s expected of them. However, the Countess, oh well! She starts out as someone quirky and funny without a filter. Since such women are now a thing, I could see her make some of those comments. That said, things got a bit too much, especially with her touching the men and making them uncomfortable (it borders on sexual harassment). I don’t see why this has to be her character trait when she is a powerful necromancer. 

While the story blends mystery, fantasy, romance, drama, and magic, none of the elements actually shine. Everything is there but not in enough quantity to take the book to the next level. The world-building could have been better. The romance is sweet but with a lot of (unnecessary) angst, thanks to Logan. It doesn’t have much steam and is mostly fade-to-black, which helps. 

Providing the past between Logan and Pie in installments (interludes) works great and prevents info dumping. Nevertheless, the relationship between the two reads toxic in some places. Of course, they do realize their mistakes, especially Logan. Having at least a few chapters from Pie’s POV might have helped me see things from another perspective. 

The ending is good, all sorted and nice, with a good dose of hope. However, the last section (65-95%) is slow-paced and feels as if the story won’t end. I speed-read at one point to get to the crucial part. 

To summarize, Til Death Do Us Bard has its moments but remains an average read throughout. The premise and setting have great potential, though the execution could have been better. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Hodderscape (Hodder & Stoughton), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TilDeathDoUsBard

The Ghosts of Beatrice Bird by Louisa Morgan - Book Review

Publication Date: 21st Nov 2023

Genre: Paranormal Drama 

4 Stars 

One Liner: A poignant and atmospheric read 

Beatrice Bird has had a gift since she was a child. She can see ghosts or rather physical manifestations that get stronger as she grows. Unable to handle the pressure, she leaves her home and partner to live on a remote island in a secluded cottage. 

Soon, Anne Iredale arrives at the island, bringing her share of ghosts. She has lost everything that matters to her and doesn’t know what to do. Despite her hesitation, Beatrice begins to talk to Anne and thinks she might help her. Maybe both women can heal themselves if they can take the much-needed steps. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Beatrice and Anne, with a few chapters from Benjamin. 

My Thoughts: 

The story, though majorly set in 1977, has a few chapters from different years to show Beatrice and Anne’s pasts. The progression is non-linear but is easy to track and follow. This is done to provide the necessary information at the right time. 

Even though the setting is atmospheric, the story is mostly ‘told’. It suits the content as things are dark and could have gotten unnecessarily graphic. Right now, there is enough information to understand the characters and empathize with them. 

The book deals with themes like DV, past trauma, controlling behavior, manipulation, family, relationships, etc. There are very few lighthearted scenes, and even those have a layer of darkness, much like the fog on the cover. (Check the TW list at the end of the review)

There’s quite a lot about God and faith as well. This comes as a surprise since the blurb didn’t hint at it. Thankfully, it’s not preachy, but I still had to get used to repeated references to God and some discussions around the theme (and also get a friend’s help to clarify a couple of doubts. Thanks, Rosh). 

However, the concept of ghosts is quite intriguing in this one. It has literal ghosts but also metaphorical ones with literal manifestations (trying hard to not reveal spoilers). I like how these two blend as the plot progresses. 

The pacing is moderate and dips in the middle. However, the action picks up in the last quarter. It is intense and ups the paranormal element without being spooky (at least to me). Though a few developments are convenient, I don’t mind. The plot needs to come together somehow. 

I like the characterization of the leading women, Beatrice and Anne. One of them has what the other would have considered unconventional. They are flawed but have their share of vulnerabilities and can inspire empathy in the readers. And oh, there are two cute cows, too! 

Benjamin, the five-year-old kid, gets the most love. His POV, though in the third person, is written to suit his age. These chapters are almost heartbreaking in some places. 

The ending is hopeful and ties up the loose ends. Some things are glossed over, but do the job. We knew enough to not have any lingering doubts, though the book does leave us thinking about a lot of things. 

To summarize, The Ghosts of Beatrice Bird is a poignant and atmospheric read about friendship, healing, love, loss, moving on, and starting afresh. Pick it up when you are in the mood for a slightly heavy read. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Orbit (Little Brown Group), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheGhostsofBeatriceBird

***

TW: Domestic abuse, child abuse (non-sexual), animal abuse (mention), drug abuse (mentions) parental control, toxic cycles. 

Secrets of Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson - Book Review

Series: Starshine Cove #2 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 21st Nov 2023

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Heartwarming and sweet 

Cally is stretched thin between caring for her mother and handling her teenage son. She is so used to being needed and having an overflowing schedule that Cally doesn’t know what to do when she has too much time on her hands. 

In the spur of a moment, she decides to take a trip to Starshine Cove, a remote place with no signboard. Cally and Sam arrive at their destination right before Christmas and are pulled into the warmth and beauty of the small town. As Cally meets new people and makes friends, she wonders if this is the change she needs in her life. 

The story comes in Cally’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

I didn’t read book one, but this works more than well as a standalone. Of course, you’ll have ‘spoilers’ for book one, but don’t we all know how a love story ends? ;) 

Cally is a forty-two-year-old single mother to an eighteen-year-old Sam. Her first-person POV, though limiting in perspective, is quite easy and refreshing to read. The writing style is informal and casual, with a good dose of dry humor. This works well and maintains a good balance between lightheartedness and emotional depth. 

I absolutely love Lilly (the fairy-obsessed eight-year-old) and Meg (a dinosaur-obsessed four-year-old). They are such a delight to read. Archie is a wonderful character (even if his Viking hair and beard aren’t my thing). 

Sam sure acts his age, but he is also a sweet young man who really loves his mother and grandmother. His character is just right (apparently, the author has teens of her own, so no surprise it’s spot on). There’s enough talk of social media and TikTok, which is to be expected. 

Starshine Cove is a picturesque location and magical in winter. The locals are just as heartwarming. Since this is a feel-good book, we won’t find villains or nasty people plotting behind the scenes. 

With themes like moving on, finding love again, learning to live for one’s self, taking risks, etc., the book has some worthy discussions deftly handled. 

There’s a third-act breakup, which is very well done and feels necessary for the characters. No misunderstanding, though. They sit, talk, and decide, even if that may not be what they want. 

To summarize, Secrets of Starshine Cove is an absolute comfort read with a cozy setting and some beautiful characters. It’s Christmas-themed, too, so that’s a plus. It is predictable but sweet. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Strom Publishing, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #SecretsofStarshineCove

***

P.S.: Not a critique per se, but I ended up with two back-to-back books that talk about Bangladesh. The previous one is quite understandable since the Liberation War (1971) was going on. Here, it rather seems odd that a remote small town that doesn’t even have a signboard on the highway and works with donors to support the community is collecting funds to send to Bangladesh. Savior much? Maybe focus closer home and fund the poor nearby. England isn’t exactly a thriving economy, is it? 

Murder at the Matterhorn by T.A. Williams - Book Review

Series: An Armstrong and Oscar Cozy Mystery #5 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 24th Nov 2023

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Italy

4 Stars 

One Liner: A compact cozy mystery 

Dan Armstrong gets a call from his former colleague asking for help. It seems a team of ufologists (UFO enthusiasts) are camping on an isolated mountain cap. There’s been a death, which looks much like murder. Dan agrees to help and joins the group as a fellow enthusiast. 

Even though they think aliens are involved, Dan is sure the murder is the handiwork of a human and someone from the group or in the region. With Oscar by his side, Dan now has to play the interpreter and solve the crime with the local police. Can they find the killer before more deaths occur? 

The story comes in Dan Armstrong’s first-person POV and works as a standalone. 

My Thoughts: 

As a reader of the series, I enjoyed this book as much as the previous ones. I’m also a believer in UFOs, though not like the characters here. 

Being a cozy mystery, the focus is more on the crime and suspects rather than the technicalities of UFOs and science. Most of the content tends to be of a nonbeliever since it comes from Dan’s POV. However, he does his best to keep an open mind, which proves to be helpful. 

Of course, a book set in Italy has to have a lovely setting and good food. This time, we tour the snow-capped mountains, the surrounding forest, and the autonomous village in the foothills. There is enough tea to satisfy a British reader and enough wine and food for the Italian reader. 

The mystery is just right- neither simple nor complicated. One part is easy to solve, the other needs a bit of work but has a logical conclusion. We can guess who the killer is despite not knowing the reason. 

Anna (Dan’s girlfriend), Virgilio and his wife, etc., have very minor roles. Dan and Oscar work with a different police team. And as Dan says, this one is indeed teamwork. Many people contribute, creating a more balanced approach. Inspector Costey is impressive. I hope we get to meet again. 

Oscar does what he always does – makes puppy eyes at everyone, becomes popular with ladies, eats as much as he can get, and helps solve the case in his own way. No one can resist a cute lab, right? 

The pacing is on the slower side, as it is with the series. However, the chapters are of moderate length and provide some sort of progress to keep the plot moving. 

To summarize, Murder at the Matterhorn is an entertaining mystery and a good continuation of the series. Does it have aliens? Well, read the book to find out. ;)

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #MurderattheMatterhorn

Murder at Bunting Manor by Greg Mosse - Book Review

Series: Maisie Cooper Mystery #2

Publication Date: 09th Nov 2023

Genre: Cozy Mystery 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Decent cozy mystery 

Maisie Cooper has to stay back in Sussex to attend the trial of her brother’s murder. Solving the case seems to have made her popular. Maisie gets an offer to investigate the unsettling events in and around Bunting Manor. Turns out the place is owned by Mrs. Pascal, none other than Aunt Phyllis, the estranged aunt Maisie knew as a child. 

It seems that someone has a grudge against Aunt Phyllis and is out to kill her. However, Maisie learns there are a lot more secrets being kept from her, and the only way to get to the bottom of the truth might be to keep asking questions. With help from Sergeant (and childhood friend) Jack Wingard, Maisie needs to find the culprit before there are more dead bodies. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of different characters. 

My Thoughts: 

Though second in the series, the book works well as a standalone. I’m glad to report that it mentions the date right at the beginning. It’s provided in the prologue and the first chapter, making it easy to understand the setting and track the case. 

The book pretty much takes off where the previous one ended. Maisie is getting ready to attend the trial and wondering about her job, housing, and earnings (or the lack of it). 

The pacing is slow, similar to the previous one, and Maisie spends a lot of time trying to get people to talk and share something useful. 

There are distinct characters like Aunt Phyllis, Zoe (16yo orphan), Archie, etc., However, the dialogue between characters is a bit strange. I understand this is done to highlight their eccentricities. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen. They stand out only in a couple of instances. The rest of the time, the characters seem as if they are on a stage. 

One secret is stretched a bit too much. I can see why, but it is easy to figure out the secret. Though I can see why, the reveal somehow doesn’t deliver. 

The mystery is decent. Easy to guess, but not right away. There are no last-minute twists. Even with some information being withheld (common in mysteries), there is enough to connect the dots and arrive at a conclusion. The rest is supplied by the characters later on. 

Maisie and Jack’s friendship is okay, but I’m not convinced by how much she thinks about him in this book. That connection just isn’t there yet. The chemistry feels forced despite it being a super slow burn.  

To summarize, Murder at Bunting Manor is a good continuation of the first book and has its merits. It makes a decent cozy mystery. However, I am unable to connect with the characters and enjoy the book as I should. My journey with the series ends here. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #MurderatBuntingManor

Never Met a Duke Like You by Amalie Howard - Book Review

Series: Taming of the Dukes #2 (Standalone) 

Publication Date: 14th Nov 2023

Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance 

3.7 stars 

One Liner: Quite good 

Lady Vesper Lyndhurst considers herself an excellent matchmaker. After all, didn’t her nudges lead three (or is it four) couples to the altar? As a duke’s daughter, Vesper has everything she wants and fills her days with activities. She’s too busy arranging things to have time for her own marriage or love. 

Aspen Drake, the Duke of Greydon, had to return to England to save his estate and deal with his mother. The last thing he wants is to spend time with the ton but has no choice even if nothing has changed, and people are as petty as ever. 

It doesn’t take long for Vesper and Aspen to meet again. The childhood friends-turned-enemies cannot help but snap at each other. But there’s more to their bickering than either would like to admit. Nevertheless, the two can find a way forward only if they sort through the past. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Vesper and Aspen. 

My Thoughts: 

This is a Regency friends-to-enemies-to-lovers (frenemies to lovers) book with some enjoyable moments and some not-so-good ones. It has a quite lot of tropes, which again give mixed results. It’s the second book in the series, but works as a standalone. 

The book begins with a quick note, explaining that the content can be darkish and talk of asylums, torture, medical mistreatment, etc. It’s all told and not shown. 

Since Vesper and Aspen are childhood friends (estranged for a few years), we can see they know each other enough to deliberately rile up the other for fun. A few barbs were too sharp, but there's a reason behind them (both were hurt and had some preconceived notions). However, this is balanced out by genuine concern and growing attraction. 

The pacing is decent, and I like the slow-burning steamy romance (2.5ish) between the lead couple. Aspen has ADHD, which is shown through her restlessness and the need to always do something. 

Misunderstandings and miscommunication are galore in this one. Some of it is annoying. The constant humor (with a good dose of sexual innuendos that are somehow well done) made it bearable. 

The side characters are sweet and entertaining. Judith shines in her limited space. There’s a strong hint about the next book, and knowing what little I saw of that character, I am excited to see how it goes. 

There’s a kitten, too, not-so-lovingly named Cat by Vesper (she is allergic to animal hair). You can see this little fluff ball on the book cover. 

There’s a third-act breakup, too, but Aspen saves the day. Though, I do blame both of them for not sharing complete information with the other. At least, it’s sorted in a rather …. way, so we move on to the last scene. 

What I totally dislike about the book is the resolution (or the lack of it) about the villain. People ought to face the consequences of their actions, at least in books. And what that character did is evil. Maybe in book #3? 

There’s a detailed epilogue, making me happy enough to round up the rating to 4 stars (I brought it down to 3 after the confrontation scene). There’s an author’s note at the end without more information and inspiration about real-life people who worked for the said causes (better lunatic asylum rights and schools for poor kids). 

To summarize, Never Met a Duke Like You is a fun and entertaining book that touches upon some dark themes without getting graphic or depressing. The only graphic part is the steam, so go with the right expectations. ;) 

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

***

P.S.: The book is compared to the movie Clueless, but since I haven't watched it, I can't say how true this is. 

A Wish for Christmas by Courtney Cole - Book Review

Publication Date: 14th Nov 2023

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Christmas 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: Beautiful and heartwarming 

Nora and Jack are drifting apart after a decade of marriage. Even their 205-pound mastiff, Elliot, doesn’t seem to keep them together. With busy careers and no time for anything else, the couple finds it hard to remember why they have been in love with each other since their school days. 

A chance meeting with a mysterious old man (kinda like Santa), all thanks to Elliot’s escapades, gives them something to think about. When the man asks them to wish on a snow globe, the couple’s lives may change in a way no one expected. 

Nora and Jack are now Noel and Jonah, still successful in their careers but leading single and separate lives. However, they continue to come face to face, and as their friendship grows into something more, they have to decide what to do with their lives. 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Noel and Jonah, with the first chapter in the third-person POV about Nora and Jack. 

My Thoughts: 

This is about second chances, love, family, relationships, and healing. The story starts in the city (NYC) but moves to a cute small town, Winter Falls. 

Set in December, we see quite a bit of snow, cold, dampness, chill, festive decorations, cooking, baking, food, etc. The city and the town are easy to visualize.

The pacing is wonderful. It doesn’t even feel like reading 360+ pages. The story continues to move and has bits of chat messages and emails inserted to add to the mix. This is pretty much a Hallmark-type book, so don’t expect any intense drama or complex situations. 

Despite dealing with some heavy themes like dementia, death of loved ones, etc., the book achieves the right intensity and has many light moments between different characters.

 Elliot is such a darling, you’d want to take him home (never mind that he drools all over). Moxie is another highlight of the book. I could have read an entire book with just these two. 

Jace and his mother, Izzy, Noel’s parents, and a few other characters like Avery, Emily, etc., add more flavors to the plot and are good supporting characters. Not all of them get the same space, but they shine in their roles. 

There seem to be minor discrepancies in the timeline, but nothing major to distract from the central plot (however, you should go with the flow). 

The ending is, of course, HEA, but a bit different from what I expected. I like it enough, but there isn’t that crucial moment that should have been there based on the blurb. 

To summarize, A Wish for Christmas is a heartwarming and cozy Christmas read with a super adorable dog. Read the book for Elliot! 

And oh, this is a clean romance. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #AWishforChristmas

So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan - Book Review

Publication Date: 14th Nov 2023

Genre: Short Stories 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Beautiful! 

Claire Keegan could be the only author whose vague and open-ended short stories are my favorite. I love how she writes, be it the setting, emotions, or the inherent intricacies of human nature – good, bad, and ugly. Almost every detail is significant, even when it seems inconsequential. 

The writing is poetic, beautiful, and immersive. She knows how to weave magic even with unlikeable characters. The stories are layered and have much to offer to readers. It’s up to us to take what we want and how much we want. 

So Late in the Day – 4 Stars 

Cathal seems to be having a routine day at the office. However, we see that it is far from an everyday occurrence. As Cathal thinks about the past, Sabine enters, bringing affection, warmth, and love, all of which are missing from his present day. So what happened and why? 

The entire story comes from the man’s perspective, providing insight into his upbringing, his flaws, patterns, parallels, and what they did to him. Of course, knowing the author, I knew this wouldn’t have a resolution. But it ends on the right note, confirming what the reader has already guessed. We also see what is likely to happen based on Cathal’s responses to his thoughts or the lack of them. 

The story deals with themes like family, relationships, marriage, toxic cycles, love, compromise, priorities, expectations, etc. The subtle and distant tone perfectly presents the characters, leaving the rest for the reader to decide.  

The Long and Painful Death – 4 Stars

An unnamed woman, a 39-year-old writer, gets to stay at a popular writing residency for two weeks. She has plans, which have to be adjusted when a German professor wants to see the residence before he leaves. This visit by him ignites a tiny spark, leading to a long and painful death (of a character) but with great satisfaction. 

The story is dreamy, languid, and meanders aimlessly, just like the woman. However, none of it goes to waste. She may be a random explorer with half-written ideas for her book, but there’s more to her than hope. Deep inside is her determination, one that runs in parallel to the heroine of a book she’s reading. And when the right trigger flips the switch, she knows to make the most of it. 

NGL, I could be missing something deeper (or maybe not). There is loneliness, yearning, determination, judgment, resentment, and much more. 

Antarctica – 4 Stars 

Bored with her routine life, a married woman and mother of two wonders how it would be to sleep with another man. That December, she decides to find out before it’s too late. Her trip to the city begins well. She even meets a man interested in her. However, she realizes that everything comes at a price, and this one may not leave her with anything. 

The story begins with speculation, which soon becomes action. There’s excitement, danger, recklessness, and a sense of freedom. However, the unspoken unease lingers in the background. It becomes more powerful, but not until it is too late to act or react. 

The setting suits the theme, Christmasy yet uncomfortable and threatening. The ending is more definite in this story, though it is still open and left to the reader’s interpretation. 

To summarize, So Late in the Day is a collection of three short stories dealing with several themes but with a central thread of loneliness, one that you feel so late in the day, left alone with nothing but uncomfortable thoughts for company. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Grove Press, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #SoLateintheDay

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally - Book Review

Series: Lady Petra Inquires #1 

Publication Date: 14th Nov 2023 

Genre: Historical Drama 

2 Stars 

One Liner: Ugh! 

Lady Petra Forsyth has decided to lead a spinster’s life when her fiancé dies a few weeks before the wedding. With her inheritance to provide for her expenses, Lady Petra has no need for a man or marriage. 

When she gets to know that a longtime friend has passed away due to melancholia and a certain questionable physician seems to be involved, Petra wonders if there’s more to it. After all, not many people were informed or even invited to the funeral. Her quest for truth triggers a series of events and puts her life at risk. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Lady Petra. 

My Thoughts: 

I’m always ready to read a historical mystery or romance. The premise promised some fun and sleuthing, so I was excited to read this one. Unfortunately, the results were below average. 

The book does have a few good points, like little Teddy, the street urchin, and Annie, the maid. The Duchess is also cool. Someone you’d want on your side. 

However, the not-so-good points outweigh by a large margin. 

First, the opening has to be strong enough to hook the reader. Here, we get a bunch of names and lengthy conversations that ‘bring us up to date’ about the FMC. 

Second, it’s hard to enjoy a book when the heroine doesn’t appeal to you. That’s my problem here. I could not like Lady Petra despite her being a feminist, LGBT+ ally, and whatever. She’s judgmental, jumps to conclusions, and acts like a typical privileged woman of the ton. 

Third, the so-called potential love interest Duncan sounds great in theory. However, he is limited to being a cardboard cutout with zero personality. The chemistry is minus ten. It isn’t even there. Things happen because well... checklist, possibly. 

Fourth, the writing is chaotic. I know this is still in the editing stages and is an uncorrected proof, but the book will need major structuring to get rid of the filler content. I also know the book is the first in the series, and some of it is necessary for world-building. However, we don’t need to be introduced to many characters who serve no purpose. 

Fifth, the mystery is boring, too. The concept is very good. But once again, the execution doesn’t have it appealing. It’s neither surface level nor detailed, leaving it hanging nowhere. Even the villain doesn’t get more than a couple of scenes to show his villainous side. 

Sixth, there’s no denying that the book tries to achieve too much – racism, homophobia, women’s rights, misogyny, sexism, abuse, institutionalization, classism, etc., and a heroine who wants to fight it all. It could have still worked. This doesn’t. 

Seventh, there’s a cliffhanger in this one about the FMC’s personal life. Let’s say I couldn’t care less by that point. I tried and failed. 

To summarize, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord might appeal to some readers, but it definitely didn’t work for me. Moreover, it even gave me a headache on both days I read it. That doesn’t happen often, so I find it hard to be lenient. Sorry! 

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s (Minotaur Books), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

Pass The Cyanide by Karmen Špiljak - Book Review

Series: Cooking With Cyanide #2

Publication Date: 05th Nov 2023

Genre: Cooking Noir, Short Story Anthology 

3.8 Stars 

One Liner: Deliciously murderous 

Pass the Cyanide is a second collection of food-based cozy (murder) mysteries with eight stories and a bonus un-themed story at the end. 

The collection starts with an author’s note detailing how she wrote book one and why book two came into existence. The quirky and humorous note sets the tone, and I did enjoy most of the stories in the collection. 

A selected list of recipes (created and tested by the author) is also provided after the stories. I might try a couple someday in the distant future. 

As always, I rate each story individually. 

Ernest's Choice – 4 Stars 

Told from four third-person POVs, this is the story of Chef Ernest’s rise, fall, and rise before the finale. The story comes in stages, revealing the mystery toward the end. It’s a solid start to the collection. 

A Little Revenge – 4 Stars 

Detective Inspector Clark looks at the messy kitchen with two dead bodies covered in blood and wonders just how much went wrong. The dead man is Maurice Miller, and his wife is missing. What had happened? Well, the story comes in multiple third-person POVs, providing the necessary answers but not all. All I can say is that someone made a wise decision. 

A Stroke of Luck – 3.5 Stars 

A mobster story with some cocktails and food! It comes in the first-person narration by Andrew, a journalist. The plot, setting, and delivery are well done. Just that, I’m not much into mobster and mafia stories. 

Seventeen Minutes – 4 Stars 

Joyce and her husband George go to the Amazon rainforest for a holiday. Joyce is unhappy about her marriage, though she’s not sure what to do. The trip gives her an idea, though. The story comes in Joyce’s third-person POV. This was quite interesting and uses food differently. 

The Feast – 4.5 Stars 

Dee and Finn have been having dinner at Eric Strutter’s remote mansion in the woods. Erin is Finn’s childhood friend, calling out of nowhere after 15 years. Both suspect something wrong, but do they have the chance to find out and escape? Oh, this is such an intriguing theme. I won’t reveal anything. Easily the best in the collection. 

The Secret Sauce – 4 Stars 

Chef Jeffrey’s publisher hires celebrity food writer Desdemona to work on his new recipe book. They are making his final recipe, the most famous mushroom sauce. But Jeffrey has a secret ingredient he doesn’t want to share. So, how does he protect his recipe? This one has the right amount of tension and anticipation. The ending stretches a bit but is necessary for his character arc. 

Sweet Darkness – 4 Stars 

Ginny is upset that Iris, the new mom in town, takes over the parents’ committee. She has a plan ready for revenge during their meeting. However, as people and food come together, things may not be the way they seem. This is a steady-paced story with increasing tension towards the end. What happened? What will happen? 

Marcel – 3.5 Stars 

Nora goes to a remote countryside village to meet her friend Dani and her new house, Marcel. What’s it about the house that Dani is willing to stay in it forever? While the story is intriguing, the ending is quite open. I’m also not sure about the food connection. 

Library of Emotions 

(Bonus Short Story, unthemed)

This is a dystopian story where people can request to experience a single emotion for 30 minutes in a library. A lovely story. Short and poignant. (4.5 stars) 

As you can see, except for 2 stories, the rest touch 4, and one of them really stands out. All the stories are of decent size and easy to read in a few minutes. Stick to one per day for maximum enjoyment. 

To summarize, Pass The Cyanide is a worthy collection of food mysteries that brings a diversity of sub-themes and seamlessly blends them with the central thread. Grab this book and enjoy it with a dozen Gulab Jamuns or more! 

My thanks to BookSirens and the author for the electronic ARC. 

Murder in Williamstown by Kerry Greenwood - Book Review

Series: Phryne Fisher #22 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 07th Nov 2023

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery, Australia 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining 

Miss Phryne Fisher is back in action, handling multiple cases. Who is sending her threats? Who is the dead man found in Williamstown? What about the accounts in the Blind Institute? The first case is being handled by Tinker while Jane and Ruth (all three are her adopted kids) are dealing with the accounts. 

However, when Phryne attends the famous parties hosted by the mysterious Hong, there’s another tragedy to solve. As if things aren’t bad enough, Lin Chung, her paramour, seems to be at risk. Are the issues connected or independent? Can Phryne solve them before her life is in danger? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of different characters. 

My Thoughts: 

I saw Phyrne Fisher on Netflix before researching the series a couple of years ago. Then I read a collection of short stories (The Lady with the Gun Asks Questions) where I found out about the differences in both worlds. However, Phryne is the same – feisty, independent, fun-loving, quirky, and always ready to solve a crime. 

This is my first entry into the book series, even if it doesn’t feel that way. The book works as a standalone, but you will enjoy it more if you know a bit about our MC and her adopted family. 

The blurb gives you an idea about the multiple tracks. The actual case doesn’t even start until after 25%. The book takes quite a while to set the stage and provide the necessary information for the mysteries to develop. It worked for me since I could use that space to reacquaint myself with the characters. Series readers might find that this slows the pacing as nothing happens (yet something happens). 

There are some lighthearted moments and the trademark Phryne humor, though somehow, the character doesn’t seem fully there in the plot. Hard to explain. It’s as if the MC is not invested in the story but goes along for the sake of it. 

The mysteries are decent. Jane and Ruth (with Phryne’s help) solve the case at the Blind Institute while Tinker does his share of work on another mystery (which isn’t fully developed). 

The main mystery about the murder in Williamstown has enough to keep the reader guessing. The resolution may seem a bit unsatisfactory to some, but it makes sense in the context. 

The book does make use of the setting and the historical context well. The author’s notes at the end and bibliography provide more information about this. 

I like the details about Phryne’s dresses (her fashion choice is a treat to read). Scents and food are also found in a healthy portion. The book concludes with a party and some happy announcements, providing a satisfactory ending. 

To summarize, Murder in Williamstown is a steady-paced entertainer (I didn’t find this slow) with multiple mysteries and several characters. I can’t help but visualize the TV show when reading the book. Too bad that Jack doesn’t get much space in this one. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #MurderinWilliamstown

Snowed In by Catherine Walsh - Book Review

Publication Date: 01st Nov 2023

Genre: Christmas Romance

4.3 Stars 

One Liner: Adorable 

Megan is the black sheep of the family and the village when she ran away from her wedding to Issac five years ago. However, she has to attend the family Christmas dinner that year. With Issac being engaged and Megan’s love life nowhere in sight, she isn’t sure if going home would do her any good. 

Christian likes Christmas and his family, but he is fed up with being the odd one out while everyone has a partner to love. Well, he is fine, but maybe he is not fine, either. 

Megan and Christian bump into each other (literally) in a pub in Dublin. As childhood school friends, they recognize each other and chat up. Of course, this gives them a plan to solve their Christmas problem – why not fake-date each other for a while and make both families happy? 

But then, we all know how risky this is! And with the festive magic in the air, the duo might find what they want. 

The story comes in the first-person POV of Megan and Christian in alternate chapters. Though standalone, it should be read after Holiday Romance. 

My Thoughts: 

After enjoying the author’s previous two books (Holiday Romance and Matchmaker), I was excited to read this one. And the book doesn’t disappoint. It occurs a couple of years after Holiday Romance and has the couple (Molly and Andrew) play an active part. Zoe also waltzes in and out, adding her trademark sparkle to the story. 

The first-person POV for both characters makes it a little hard to track in some scenes. Though their voices are distinct, things get confusing at times. 

Christian is such a darling. Undoubtedly the best book boyfriend if you want one (or more). He is compassionate, understanding, patient, caring, attentive, supportive, thoughtful… the list goes on (and oh, those washboard abs). 

Megan stands equal, though it seems like he is the one giving more than her. Since she is the ‘villain’ in the town for breaking Issac’s heart, she does have more to deal with than him. Her actions/ reactions make sense and align with her character arc. 

No third-act breakup or miscommunication. Both of them are mature enough to acknowledge their feelings when the time comes. They communicate well, too. It’s endearing to see them trusting each other and sharing their vulnerabilities. Their relationship progresses and strengthens as they get to know each other more. 

As always, the book has a healthy dose of humor – some chuckles, some laugh-out-loud moments, and some ‘silly’ smiles. Even the scenes with high drama have a touch of humor to lighten the situation without taking the focus away from it. I love how easy and natural the humor reads. 

It feels good to revisit characters from Holiday Romance. This can easily be a longer series. After all, we have at least two more potential candidates to find their true love. Let’s hope there will be one next year. 

The Christmas theme seamlessly blends with the plot, and the setting is a flavor enhancer. The snow, family, food, last-minute rushing, gifts, music, and whatnot decorate the story. 

Megan’s love for knitting is more than just a character quirk. It is a part of her and is integral to the plot throughout. Angry knitting is indeed a thing. ;) 

Ignore the title, though. That event doesn’t occur until the last quarter of the book. 

To summarize, Snowed In is a delightful Christmas book about love, acceptance, standing up for oneself, family bonding, and food. The pacing is slow, but it never gets dull. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #SnowedIn

Deadly Tides by Mary Keliikoa - Book Review

Misty Pines Mystery #2

Publication Date: 24th Oct 2023

Genre: Small Town Mystery, Police Procedural 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Better than book one but slower too 

Misty Pines’ Sheriff Jax Turner is slowly getting his life on track. Of course, he is still struggling, and his ex-wife, Abby, doesn’t seem to be as interested in him. However, when the local surfing legend goes missing, Jax is busy gathering evidence and digging deeper. 

Abby isn’t having it easy, either. A severed foot washes ashore, which seems connected to another missing case. Since it falls in Jax’s jurisdiction, she hands it over to him but takes up the investigation at the FBI level as more clues turn up. 

As the waters get murky, Jax will have to find a way out and expose the layers of lies and agendas without risking precious lives in the process. 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Jax and Abby. 

My Thoughts: 

Reading books one and two together sure helped. This one is better and doesn’t try to bring ‘surprise twists’. Though there’s a sort of curveball, the killer and clues are pretty much aligned. 

Having Abby’s POV helped to an extent. We get to see both their perspectives about their personal lives. I also like that they are a work-in-progress, irrespective of the result. 

Jax is much better in this book. He is more in control, assured, and capable. True that he is still coming to terms and makes some mistakes, but I like his arc (possibly more than Abby’s). 

The mysteries go in parallel, and as new evidence comes to light, some things become clear, while some get murkier. The resolution is decent and not unexpected. A little more focus on the reason would have helped. 

Apart from recurring characters like Trudy, Troy, Dylan, and Jax’s team, we have two new entries- Olek (Abby’s FBI partner) and Rachel. It will be interesting to see how they contribute to the future books. 

Compared to book one, this one heavily leans on Jax and Abby’s past and present lives. There’s a reason for this. Nurse Margot, with her Maggi noodles curls, does her bit to keep the plot going. 

While the setting and descriptions are nice to read, this is a slow-burn mystery mixed with some police procedural. Unlike book one, it takes a long time for the plot to pick up pace. The urgency of the storyline is not replicated in the narrative style. This contrast makes it a little hard to stay interested.

The book does work as a standalone, but I am not sure how much readers can connect with Jax and Abby’s strained relationship. Though we get the basic information, some important snippets are not repeated, which could make the characters feel distant (depends, though). 

To summarize, Deadly Tides is an engaging slow-burn mystery with introspective themes like grief, healing, abandonment, family, relationships, etc. I like it better and will read book #3 next year (or whenever it is available). 

Thank you, NetGalley and Level Best Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #DeadlyTides

Hidden Pieces by Mary Keliikoa - Book Review

Series: Misty Pines Mystery #1

Publication Date: 25th Oct 2022

Genre: Small Town Mystery, Police Procedural 

3 Stars (4 stars up to 75% and 2 stars for the last 25%) 

One Liner: Starts well but not my favorite trope! 

Sheriff Jax Turner is on the brink of ending everything forever when he is forced to solve the case of a missing schoolgirl. Jax is determined to not lose this chance and find the fourteen-year-old Allison. However, he soon realizes that the case is a lot more complex and might be connected to a kidnapping case twenty-five years ago. He couldn’t solve it and couldn’t let go of it either. 

Dealing with the loss of a daughter, broken marriage, and depression, Jax has to sort through the lies and half-truths of witnesses. With so many people unwilling to reveal even the necessary information, Jax’s attempts to save Allison become frantic. 

Can he save the girl this time? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Jax Turner, with a few chapters from Elena’s. 

My Thoughts: 

Book one of the Misty Pines series works well as a standalone. I got this ARC last year but couldn’t read it on time. Now that I have book two waiting, I decided to tick them off the list. 

The book starts with a short prologue where Allison is kidnapped. Then, we see Jax Turner deciding to end his life when the news reaches him. With no alternative, he begins to work on the case and hopes bringing Allison back safe might help with some of his demons. 

The first half of the book is quite good. While the beginning is slow, the pacing gets better over time. It is a bit confusing with names like Emily and Elena, but not for long. There are quite a good number of characters, though. 

Jax’s POV reads semi-frantic and suits his state of mind. He is a deeply troubled man and not that easy to like. He also tends to be fixated on suspects, some with reason and some even when not necessary. Still, all of this makes him real rather than perfect. 

Trudy is my favorite character in the book. I hope she is in book two and we get to know more about her life. The other characters aren’t yet fully developed. It takes time when setting up a series, so that’s fine. 

The second half starts well, but the last quarter is a mess. I know some readers will love that kind of twist, but I hate that stuff. More than 15 years ago, I was impressed by the trope when I read it the first time, but not anymore. Also, it led to a truckload of plot holes in an otherwise decent plot. 

I did guess about the culprit, but only after the hints appeared in the last section. Readers do not have enough information to guess, which is not fair. Moreover, despite the details matching, the reveal doesn’t feel strong. 

I like the development of Jax’s arc toward the end. It makes me eager to book two and see whether he gets better. 

To summarize, Hidden Pieces starts and progresses well but falls flat at the end. Mystery writers need to stop using THAT trope. It feels amateurish. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Level Best Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #HiddenPieces 

***

TW: Suicide attempt, kidnap, death of child, mental illness, sexual assault, and mention of pedophilia 

The Curse of Nona May Taylor by Jess K. Hardy - Book Review

Publication Date: 01st Nov 2023

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Gender-Flipped Fairytale Retelling 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Entertaining but could have been better 

Nona May Taylor was cursed by a witch to become an old woman, while the witch enjoys Nona’s stardom and career as a singer. Nona is content in her secluded cabin with her family and her agent, who were also cursed by the witch. 

However, Nona saves Charlie, a hiker, and is nursing him back to health. He brings her hope, and Nona realizes maybe there’s a chance to break the curse. Is Charlie indeed her true love? If yes, will the witch let it happen without a fight? 

The story comes in three parts in Nona’s first-person POV. 

What I Like: 

The family dynamics are the highlight of the book. Nona is eighty-three years old (though her actual age is around 22) and the only human in her family. The rest of them have been cursed to become various animals. 

From the beginning, readers can see the love and bonding between Nona’s family members, the agent included. They are quirky and have distinctive personalities, even though they don’t get an in-depth characterization. It’s refreshing to read about such positive family dynamics despite their situation. 

 The setting is also well done. The snow, cold, cabin, and woods create the right atmosphere for the plot. There are quite a few instances of hunting for food and dressing the dead animals (I don’t mind it; mentioning it for others to be prepared). 

Charlie is adorable and a sweetheart (despite one of his decisions). It is easy to see him and Nona as a young couple in love even though there isn’t enough ‘show’ where it’s necessary. 

There is enough humor to make the reader chuckle a few times. The story is more or less lighthearted and very much surface-level (this is a disadvantage too). The first half is definitely stronger. The most enjoyable part of the second half is Larry. 

There is no third-act breakup or miscommunication. And we also get an epilogue to present the story with a neatly tied bow.  

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

The book is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast. While I’m not bothered by that, I do wish the whole concept of the curse and the actual story behind it is better presented. 

As the reveals begin in the second half, the story switches to romance, which still works to an extent. However, the plot gets more and more convoluted as it progresses. 

It could have still worked if the threads were handled in detail. Instead, we get random bits and pieces of information in an attempt that bring them, which doesn’t entirely succeed. 

NGL, the threesome caught me unawares. I’m not sure why it is even there except to tick it off a checklist. Also, given the ages and their past, it makes the whole thing awkward. Some relationships don’t have to be defined by sex, and the sort of pity angle makes this even worse. 

The climax could have been a lot stronger. It started well, but the villain is a caricature, which made the whole thing feel OTT. Confrontations in snow remind me of Breaking Dawn (something I enjoyed a lot more). 

An item that plays a prominent role in the plot is quite easily obtained and used so causally that I didn’t even feel its presence and power. Moreover, Aunt Lulu and her cabin could have amplified the atmosphere but have a limited role. 

To summarize, The Curse of Nona May Taylor is a medium-paced, lighthearted read with talking animals and a love story. This would have worked better if the subplots were more cohesive and detailed or removed to retain focus only on the core story. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Pinkity Publishing, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheCurseofNonaMayTaylor

The Herbalist's Secret by Annabelle Marx - Book Review

Publication Date: 27th Oct 2023

Genre: Dual Timeline, Family Drama, Paranormal 

2.7 Stars 

One Liner: Got potential but falls flat 

1889

Kitty Gray dreams of becoming a doctor like her father but is married to Charles Maclean, one of the richest men in Glasgow. However, circumstances make the Ardbray House in the remote Scottish Highlands her permanent home. Kitty finds a new passion in herbs, and is soon the local midwife and herbalist. Until one day, tragedy strikes. 

2003

Greer Mackenzie’s family has been the housekeepers of the Ardbray House for decades. She resents the house for denying her freedom but doesn’t want to let go of the house she calls home. When Caitlin Black arrives as a prospective buyer, Greer is torn. 

As Caitlin delves deep into the house’s history, she comes across some disturbing events. Now, it’s up to her to find out what had happened. Moreover, the Ardbray House seems to have its own demands.

The story comes in the third-person POV of Kitty and the first-person POV of Greer Mackenzie. 

What I Like:

The Scottish Highlands setting is descriptive and paints a picture of the house, the loch, and the chilly remoteness of the location. 

Every chapter starts with a brief note about an herb and its medicinal benefits. This was informative and educative. 

The historical setting deals with women’s rights (without getting preachy), the cotton mills and the horrible working conditions, and the gradual entry of women into medical colleges. A few scenes are well done, especially between Kitty and the staff. 

There’s a recipe for ginger cake at the end of the book. Since this delicious cake is mentioned multiple times, it’s nice to have the recipe. The other descriptions of the food are also enjoyable and made my reading a little more enjoyable. 

The prologue is solid and sets high expectations for the rest of the book. However… 

What Could Have Been Better for Me: 

Well, the book has many elements, but no single aspect stands out. I kept wondering what the actual focus of the story was. The prologue makes it seem like it’s the house. Soon, we see it’s the characters, especially Kitty. But yet again, the house seems to be important. Then Kitty again. Based on the title, it should be Kitty, but the prologue makes the house stand out. See what’s happening? 

A story with paranormal elements (ghosts) should have a solid atmosphere and sustain it. While Geer’s first-person POV tries to make the house seem oppressive and brooding, it doesn’t sustain the feelings for long. Also, Geer is annoying, making the contemporary track a chore. 

Moreover, the book doesn’t really have herbalism except for Kitty’s paintings and her garden. Even though she is said to have become a self-learned herbalist, we see just a random instance or two of her using herbs, that too only for the family and the house staff. 

The book tries to pack too much into the plot, and almost none of it is explored in detail (the kitchen sink syndrome, as a friend calls it). We get Kitty’s biography with missing years (that have important developments). The contemporary track is entirely surface-level. Neither Geer nor Caitlin is impressive. The ending is okay, I suppose, but nothing wow. 

The pacing is slow and dragging. Moreover, the mystery mentioned in the blurb doesn’t appear until after 50%. Then, of course, it is almost immediately solved in the same timeline, followed by the events revealing the truth. It’s a good thing the book is listed as General Fiction on NetGalley. This cannot be considered a mystery despite the countless secrets our characters like to keep. 

To summarize, The Herbalist's Secret has a great premise but needs some structuring and prioritizing to decide the main element and amplify it. Cutting down the excessive explanations would also help. Since this is a debut release, I’ll round up the rating to 3 stars. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheHerbalistsSecret

TW: Death of children, attempted rape, suicide.